The former Richmond player finally got to play with long-time friend and Lions captain Ben Clifton after his initial comeback match was put on hold due to Victoria's most recent COVID-19 lockdown.
“I'm a little bit sore, blew off the cobwebs and it was a fun game to be a part of,” Rance said.
The pressure of the contest surprised Rance, who started the match at the opposite end of the ground to where he made a successful AFL career.
“It was more high pressured than what I thought. I was very impressed,” he said.
The premiership player said he played in every role except defence during the clash.
“It was my first game back and trying to get the pace of the game and things like that and I just wanted something different because I’ve done that (defending) for so long,” he said.
The All-Australian captain said he wasn’t sure whether he would pull the boots on again after his AFL career, but playing with good friend Clifton made it an easy choice.
“When I first got drafted to Richmond, ‘Cliffo’ and I played in the VFL together when I was still learning my craft in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and he’s a teacher at my school,” Rance said.
“We have always kept in touch and he’s a great character and great man and I just wanted to come out and have a kick with Cliffo.”
Despite the team recording its eighth victory from as many starts, Rance said he hoped he could teach the boys about the balance between ball hunting and playing the team game.
“Like a lot of community footballers, everyone wants to go get the ball, but sometimes you have to hold your structure and hold your width and that's always a hard balance to strike. And also offense to defense transition - that's always a hard one too,” he said.
“Certainly there is a strong culture here and I think that's what makes successful clubs.”
Rance said it was a one-off appearance at this stage, but he kept the door ajar for a possible late-season return.
18°C